Vocational Rehabilitation For Musculoskeletal Conditions

Historically, musculoskeletal injuries have been prescribed rest for greater or lesser periods, bed rest, time off work, time off sport.

The longer a person is inactive, the more time it takes to get them moving, both physically and mentally. This is due to physical inability and psycho-social factors. Encouraging movement and activity, finding ways around the physical disability whilst allowing the injury to heal has greater benefit to the individual in the long term. They maintain their motivation and the time taken to return to full functional activity is cut.

Musculoskeletal problems involving the work place are not only confined to the results of the work situation (occupational) but also to injuries sustained outside the office that will have an effect on the individual’s ability to work and /or to move about the office (non-occupational).

Early and accessible assessment and treatment will increase recovery rate and reduce recovery time. Good physiotherapy will address, not only the injured part but will maintain the physical function of the rest of the body, thus preventing a downward spiral of inactivity, inability to function leading to dependency and loss of confidence.

Physiotherapy

Is able to fulfil many roles;

• Treat the injury
• Maintain function of the rest of the body
• Assess the work environment and address any issues that will have a direct effect on the injury
• Find ways to work around and with the injury e.g. using a mouse with the other hand, breaking the job down into components and farming out components that are traumatic, leaving those that can be coped with, for a period, re introducing them gradually.

Ergonomic work station assessments

Initial desk assessments for employees with a history of musculoskeletal problems. This will outline any issues with the work station before it becomes a problem. Having the assessment done by an ergonomist who is also a physiotherapist has the advantage of knowledge of anatomy, of how the employee’s problem will be affected by their working environment and therefore how to correct to provide a situation which will not aggravate the existing problem or re introduce an old problem. Desk assessments for employees who have an injury, or who are post operative. Assessing those with occupational musculoskeletal problems such as WRULD, neck and shoulder pain. An experienced physiotherapist/ergonomist will be able to assess the situation and try to find ways to enable the employee to remain at work. Advising on correct furniture, proper supportive chairs, correct desk heights, suitable keyboards and mouse setup.